Crime intelligence discussed “counter” initiative against journalist, Madlanga Commission hears
Adila Hassan, evidence leader at the Madlanga Commission, has said that a 2021 burglary at the home of journalist Marianne Thamm needs further investigation, given that crime intelligence operatives had discussed activating “a counter” on her shortly before the crime took place. The discussion, conducted via WhatsApp between Major Feroz Khan and an unnamed officer, took place in the context of reporting by Thamm on irregularities regarding Covid-linked expenditure. On 13 March 2021, under two months after this exchange, Thamm’s home was burgled, with thieves targeting electronic devices. The burglary appeared to have been professionally done, with no fingerprints being identified.
Balogun’s treatment “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” – UEFA
UEFA, the Union of European Football Associations, has warned that Fifa’s decision not to uphold the automatic ban on US player Folarin Balogun, who was sent off in the World Cup game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, was “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and undermined the credibility of international football. President Donald Trump confirmed he asked Fifa to review Balogun’s one-match suspension at the World Cup. On Sunday, he thanked Fifa for “reversing a great injustice”. UEFA said in a statement: “When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined.” The lifting of the ban enabled striker Balogun to play in yesterday’s game against Belgium. The US, co-hosts of the World Cup, were knocked out after a 4-1 defeat by Belgium.
Nelson Mandela Bay anti-cable theft vehicle idle as city assets plundered
Nelson Mandela Bay’s innovative Loerbroer surveillance vehicle, designed to combat crimes like cable theft, has been grounded for years as the city endures worsening vandalism. The R6 million Loerbroer was purchased for the 2010 World Cup and is fitted with cameras and thermal imaging devices to identify suspicious activity. However, it has not been operational for years – as long ago as 2022, it was reported to be in a warehouse. The Council claims that the vehicle was recently sent to Pretoria for repairs; and that a further phase of the project would involve training staff on using the refurbished vehicle.
Chinese official caught in anti-corruption crackdown sentenced to death for fraud
A former Nanjing official investigated as part of President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption crackdown has been sentenced to death for taking more than $325m in bribes over 30 years. State media said sixty-nine-year-old Yang Youlin, who served in various positions in Nanjing between 1993 and 2023, helped others secure engineering contracts, land transfers and financing, in exchange for money and valuables. He was also convicted of embezzlement, abuse of power and money laundering. Xi’s anti-corruption drive has reportedly cut through military ranks and high-level banking, among other sectors.
KZN clothing factories face “collapse” if migrant workers leave
“Our sector will 100% collapse if migrants suddenly disappear from our factories,” says eThekwini Clothing and Leather Association chair Iqbal Ismail. He warned that some clothing factories in Newcastle, the hub of the cut, make and trim business in KwaZulu-Natal, were closing as immigrant workers fled to avoid xenophobic violence. Reportedly, a local shortage of skilled machinists is a key driver in the employment of migrant artisans. The sector was hard hit earlier this year when many clothing retailers withdrew business from local factories after labour inspector raids in February exposed “sweatshop” working conditions in some factories.
Sources: Daily Maverick, BBC, News24, Netwerk24, GroundUp